Recent delays in subsea cable projects across the Red Sea are unlikely to immediately impact internet speeds in the UAE, thanks to the country’s diversified connectivity routes and robust domestic infrastructure. However, experts warn that the region remains vulnerable to long-term risks due to the fragility of this critical global corridor. According to industry specialists, the Red Sea has become a significant bottleneck in global connectivity, with repeated disruptions over the past two years highlighting its vulnerabilities. Tony O’Sullivan, CEO of RETN, emphasized that delays in deploying new high-capacity cables remove the future headroom needed to absorb shocks, leaving the region exposed to extended repair cycles and repeated disruptions. The UAE’s ability to manage recent incidents better than neighboring markets is attributed to its diverse subsea and terrestrial routes. However, the region still lacks sufficient high-bandwidth alternatives, making it susceptible to resilience gaps. Vincent Chok, Founder and CEO of First Digital Trust, noted that delays in subsea systems also impact financial networks, creating latency in payment processing, trading execution, and cross-border settlement systems. Experts stress that ongoing investment in diverse routes and genuine capacity redundancy is essential for long-term resilience. While the UAE’s current infrastructure mitigates immediate risks, reducing dependence on the Red Sea corridor remains a strategic priority for the region.
Red Sea cable delays will ‘not affect Internet speeds in UAE, but risks remain’
